Kandelaar, vierdelig c. 1590 - 1596

This candlestick, now held in the Rijksmuseum, was made anonymously at an unknown date. The eye is immediately drawn to its silvery hue and how the light plays across the softly polished surfaces. The candlestick is constructed as a series of geometric forms stacked vertically. The rounded base supports a flared drip pan, above which rises a slender stem topped with a cylindrical candle holder. The piece achieves a harmonious balance through its symmetrical construction and careful proportioning. Yet, closer inspection reveals irregularities in the casting, small dents and abrasions. The imperfections intimate its history, and past use, offering a material glimpse into a domestic setting. The candlestick transcends its utilitarian purpose, becoming a study in form and texture. Its anonymous creation allows us to focus on the object itself, on its ability to embody aesthetic and functional ideals. Its survival through time invites us to contemplate the shifting values we ascribe to objects and their cultural significance.